“After Exiting India Job, Rahul Dravid Reportedly Linked to IPL Franchise Role”

A straight swap between Gautam Gambhir and Rahul Dravid is possible, with Kolkata Knight Riders reportedly eyeing the T20 World Cup-winning India coach as their new mentor. With Gautam Gambhir’s appointment as Team India’s new head coach all but confirmed, Rahul Dravid has been approached to take over his role as the mentor of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) franchise in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Gambhir was brought in as the mentor of the Knight Riders before the 2024 season, with co-owner Shah Rukh Khan reportedly giving him a 10-year plan. However, the opportunity to coach the Indian team proved irresistible for Gambhir.

Gambhir’s move to the Indian team leaves a significant void at KKR, where his guidance was instrumental in securing the IPL 2024 title. The franchise’s leadership has reportedly placed Dravid at the top of their list of potential replacements for Gambhir’s role.

According to a report by News 18 Bangla, several IPL franchises are interested in hiring Dravid as a coach or mentor for the 2025 season, with the Knight Riders particularly keen. However, no concrete discussions have occurred yet.

After India clinched the T20 World Cup 2024 title by defeating South Africa in the final, Dravid humorously mentioned being ‘jobless’ next month and asked reporters if they had any offers. Given Dravid’s talent and invaluable experience in Indian cricket, it’s no surprise that franchises are eager to bring him on board.

Dravid did not wish to continue as the head coach of the Indian team, as the role required him to travel for 10 months a year, keeping him away from his family. The Indian Premier League, however, is a different scenario, requiring only a 2-3 month commitment each year, which might be more appealing to Dravid.

The former India captain has previously served as a mentor and coach for IPL franchises. Dravid coached the Delhi Daredevils before stepping down in 2017 due to a ‘conflict of interest’. Following his IPL stint, Dravid worked as a coach for India’s junior teams, including the Under-19 and India A teams. Before taking up the India head coach position in 2021, he was the head of the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru.